Method and system for retry of packet data calls

ABSTRACT

A method and system for retry of a packet data call. The method can include the steps of attempting ( 210 ) an IP registration with a mobile unit ( 110 ) to make a packet data call using a first protocol on a network ( 120 ) that employs both the first protocol and a second protocol for packet data calls and detecting ( 212 ) a failure in the IP registration using the first protocol due to a failure in a data link layer of the first protocol. A physical layer of the first protocol is unaffected by the failure in the data link layer of the first protocol such that communications may still be performed over the physical layer. The method can also include the steps of—at the mobile unit—ceasing ( 214 ) the attempted IP registration using the first protocol on the network and attempting ( 216 ) an IP registration with the mobile unit using the second protocol of the network. As an example, the first protocol can be EVDO, and the second protocol can be 1X.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject matter described herein concerns the transmission of packetdata calls and more particularly, the retry of the transmission ofpacket data calls.

2. Description of the Related Art

Currently, many mobile units have the capability of conducting packetdata calls in which voice is carried over data packets, as opposed to acircuit-switched call. For example, a number of mobile units conductpacket data calls using the telecommunications standard Evolution-DataOptimized, or EVDO, which is part of the CDMA2000 family of standards.Another protocol that belongs to CDMA2000 is 1X Radio TransmissionTechnology (RTT), or simply 1X. When using 1X, a mobile unit maytransmit data or voice over a packet data network. There are severalexisting handsets that have the capability of transmitting packet datausing EVDO or 1X. EVDO has higher transmit speeds, however, and ispreferred over 1X when transmitting packet data.

As part of the transmission of packet data and as known in the art, amobile unit may perform Mobile Internet Protocol (MIP) or SimpleInternet Protocol (SIP) registration on the EVDO network. Typically,because MIP registration allows the mobile unit to maintain a permanentIP address when moving from one network to another, the mobile unit willattempt MIP registration on the EVDO network first. If this registrationdoes not succeed, then the mobile unit will attempt SIP registration onthe EVDO network. If the SIP registration fails, then the mobile unitwill wait a predetermined amount of time before attempting another roundof MIP/SIP registrations on EVDO. In certain circumstances, the cause ofthe registration failures is a failure in the data link layer of theEVDO network. This failure in the data link layer, however, may notaffect the operation of the physical layer of the EVDO network. Becausethe physical layer is unaffected, the mobile unit will simply continuewith the attempted MIP/SIP registrations on the EVDO network. After allthe attempts have been exhausted, the mobile unit will abort theattempted call.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and system for retry of a packet data call is described herein.The method can include the steps of attempting an Internet Protocol (IP)registration with a mobile unit to make a packet data call using a firstprotocol on a network that employs both the first protocol and a secondprotocol for packet data calls and detecting a failure in the IPregistration using the first protocol due to a failure in a data linklayer of the first protocol. In this case, a physical layer of the firstprotocol is unaffected by the failure in the data link layer of thefirst protocol such that communications may still be performed over thephysical layer. The method may also include the steps of—at the mobileunit—ceasing the attempted IP registration using the first protocol onthe network and attempting an IP registration with the mobile unit usingthe second protocol of the network. As an example, the first protocolmay offer a transmission speed that is higher than that offered by thesecond protocol. As another example, the first protocol can be EVDO, andthe second protocol can be 1X.

In one arrangement, attempting the IP registration with the mobile unitusing the first protocol can include attempting an MIP registration withthe mobile unit and the network using the first protocol. In anotherarrangement, attempting the IP registration with the mobile unit usingthe first protocol can further include attempting an SIP registrationwith the mobile unit and the network using the first protocol if theattempted MIP registration is unsuccessful.

In yet another arrangement, attempting the IP registration with themobile unit using the second protocol can include attempting an MIPregistration with the mobile unit and the network using the secondprotocol. Also, attempting the IP registration with the mobile unitusing the second protocol can further include attempting an SIPregistration with the mobile unit and the network using the secondprotocol if the attempted MIP registration using the second protocol isunsuccessful.

A method of re-initiating a packet data call on a network that employsboth EVDO and 1X protocols is also described herein. The method caninclude the steps of attempting an MIP registration through the EVDOprotocol with a mobile unit on the network for a packet data call on themobile unit and if the MIP registration is unsuccessful, attempting anSIP registration through the EVDO protocol with the mobile unit on thenetwork. If both the MIP and SIP registrations are unsuccessful, themobile unit can be switched to operate in the 1X protocol in which theunsuccessful EVDO MIP and SIP registrations are caused by an EVDO datalink layer. An EVDO physical layer, however, still allows forcommunication over the EVDO physical layer. In response to theunsuccessful MIP and SIP registrations using the EVDO protocol, an MIPregistration or an SIP registration can be attempted with the mobileunit and the network through the 1X protocol for the packet data call onthe mobile unit.

A mobile unit capable of making packet data calls using both a firstprotocol and a second protocol is also described herein. The mobile unitcan include a transceiver that communicates with a network using thefirst protocol and the second protocol and a call control module that iscoupled to the transceiver. The call control module can be operable toattempt a first IP registration with the network using the firstprotocol and to detect a failure in the first IP registration due to adata link layer failure in which a physical layer of the first protocolis still capable of conducting communications. The call control modulecan also be operable to—in response to the failure detection—attempt asecond IP registration with the network using the second protocol. As anexample, the first protocol can be a default choice over the secondprotocol for transmission of packet data, and the first protocol can beEVDO, and the second protocol can be 1X.

In one embodiment, the call control module can be operable to attemptthe first IP registration with the network using the first protocol byfirst attempting an MIP registration with the network using the firstprotocol followed by attempting an SIP registration with the networkusing the first protocol if the MIP registration is unsuccessful. Inanother embodiment, the call control module can be operable to attemptthe second IP registration with the network using the second protocol byfirst attempting an MIP registration with the network using the secondprotocol, followed by attempting an SIP registration with the networkusing the second protocol if the MIP registration is unsuccessful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features that are believed to be novel are set forth with particularityin the appended claims. The claimed subject matter may best beunderstood by reference to the following description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures ofwhich like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for retry of packet data callsand an example of a block diagram of a mobile unit; and

FIG. 2 shows an example of a method for retry of a packet data call.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the claimed subject matter aredisclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary and can be embodied in various forms.Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto variously employ the claimed subject matter in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide anunderstandable description.

The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or morethan two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least asecond or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein,are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms “coupled” or“communicatively coupled” as used herein are defined as connected,although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

The term “transceiver” can be defined as any component or group ofcomponents that is capable of receiving and/or transmittingcommunications signals. The term “mobile unit” can mean any portablecommunication unit capable of at least receiving transmissions. The term“packet data call” means a call in which the information to be carriedover the call, including both voice and data, is converted into packetsand transmitted over a network for receipt at a communication device. A“protocol” is defined as a set of rules for the transmission ofinformation over a communications channel, such as data representation,signaling, authentication and error detection. The term “network” meansany group of components that are required to establish communicationsbetween a plurality of communication devices and includes arrangementsthat involve fixed infrastructure devices and ad hoc and asynchronoussettings.

The term “physical layer” is defined as a layer that translatescommunication requests from other layers into hardware-specificoperations to effect transmission or reception of electronic signals.The term “data link layer” is defined as a layer that transfers databetween adjacent network nodes in a wide area network or between nodeson the same local area network segment and issues service requests to aphysical layer.

The subject matter in this document refers to a method and system forretry of a packet data call. The method can include the steps ofattempting an IP registration with a mobile unit to make a packet datacall using a first protocol on a network that employs both the firstprotocol and a second protocol for packet data calls and detecting afailure in the IP registration using the first protocol due to a failurein a data link layer of the first protocol. A physical layer of thefirst protocol is unaffected by the failure in the data link layer ofthe first protocol such that communications may still be performed overthe physical layer. The method can also include the steps of—at themobile unit—ceasing the attempted IP registration using the firstprotocol on the network and attempting an IP registration with themobile unit using the second protocol of the network. As an example, thefirst protocol is EVDO, and the second protocol is 1X. This process canenable another attempt to make a packet data call at a mobile unit, evenwhen the physical layer of the EVDO protocol is unaffected, instead ofsimply aborting the attempt.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 for retry of a packet data call isshown. In this arrangement, one or more mobile units 110 may becommunicating with one or more networks 120. As an example, the mobileunit 110 may have the capability to communicate with the network 120using a first protocol, such as EVDO, or a second protocol, such as 1X.It must be noted, however, that these particular protocols are merelylisted as examples, and the description here is not so limited. Thenetwork 120 may include all the components necessary for routing packetdata calls, including base station transceiver subsystems, base stationcontrollers, packet data serving nodes, foreign agents and/or homeagents, as those skilled in the art will appreciate.

A block diagram of an exemplary mobile unit 110 is also pictured inFIG. 1. In one arrangement, the mobile unit 110 can include one or moretransceivers 130 and a call control module 140, which can be coupled tothe transceiver 130. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that themobile unit 110 may include other components for performing variousfunctions associated with wireless communications. The transceiver 130can be used to communicate with the network 120 using either the firstprotocol or the second protocol. The call control module 140 can includeany suitable arrangement of software and circuitry for setting up packetdata calls for the mobile unit 110 using the first protocol or thesecond protocol. Detailed examples of this process will be presentedbelow.

Turning to FIG. 2, a method 200 for retry of packet data calls is shown.To describe this method 200, reference will be made to FIG. 1, althoughit is understood that the method 200 can be practiced in any othersuitable system using any other suitable components. Moreover, the stepsof the method 200 are not limited to the particular order in which theyare presented in the figure. Also, the method 200 can have a greaternumber of steps or a fewer number of steps than those shown in thefigure.

At step 210, an IP registration can be attempted with a mobile unit fora packet data call using a first protocol, and at step 212, a failure inthe IP registration using the first protocol can be detected. Theattempted IP registration using the first protocol can be ceased at themobile unit, as shown at step 214. At step 216, an IP registration withthe mobile unit can be attempted using a second protocol.

For example, the user of the mobile unit 110 may wish to place a datapacket call, which will be sent over the network 120, and the mobileunit 110 may be configured to initiate the call using the firstprotocol. In this example, the first protocol may be EVDO. As notedearlier, the mobile unit 110 may also have the capability to place callsto the network 120 using a second protocol, such as 1X. In this case,EVDO provides higher transmission speeds when compared to 1X, and assuch, EVDO may be a default choice for the mobile unit 110 over 1X forplacing packet data calls.

As part of initiating the call, the call control module 130 of themobile unit 110 may be configured to attempt an IP registration with thenetwork 120 using EVDO. As an example, the call control module 140 canattempt an MIP registration with the network 120. If this attempt fails,the call control module 140 may then try an SIP registration with thenetwork 120. Although MIP registration may be generally favored over SIPregistration for the mobile unit 110, it must be understood that thedescription here is not so limited, as SIP registration, or any othersuitable form of IP registration, may be tried first by the mobile unit110 for purposes of placing a packet data call.

There may be certain circumstances where the IP registration using EVDOfails. As an example, this failure may be caused by a problem in thedata link layer of the EVDO protocol due to a component malfunction inthe network 120. Generally, the IP registration is considered a failurewhen both the MIP and SIP registrations fail, although the IPregistration may be so considered when only a failure occurs in one(i.e., not both) of the MIP and SIP registrations. In this example,although there is a problem in the data link layer of the EVDO protocol,the physical layer may not be affected such that the mobile unit 110would still be able to communicate over the physical layer.

Once the IP registration failure using EVDO is detected, the callcontrol module 140 may cease the attempted IP registration using EVDOand can then direct an effort for an IP registration with the network120 using the second protocol, or 1X. Here, the call control module 140may be configured to try an MIP registration first, followed by an SIPregistration attempt if the MIP registration is faulty. The order of theMIP and SIP registrations is not so limited, however, and other types ofIP registrations may be considered. After the 1X packet data call iscompleted, the call control module 140 may have the option of returningto the EVDO protocol as a default setting for initiating packet datacalls or may keep the 1X protocol in place for such calls.

The above description provides a solution to the problem of droppingpacket data calls when there is an issue in a higher layer but thephysical layer for EVDO is unaffected. Switching to 1X in this situationcan ensure that a user's call can still be executed, as desired.

While the various embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it will be clear that the claimed subjectmatter is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention asdefined by the appended claims.

1. A method for retry of a packet data call, comprising: attempting anInternet Protocol (IP) registration with a mobile unit to make a packetdata call using a first protocol on a network that employs both thefirst protocol and a second protocol for packet data calls; detecting afailure in the IP registration using the first protocol due to a failurein a data link layer of the first protocol, wherein a physical layer ofthe first protocol is unaffected by the failure in the data link layerof the first protocol such that communications may still be performedover the physical layer; at the mobile unit, ceasing the attempted IPregistration using the first protocol on the network; and attempting anIP registration with the mobile unit using the second protocol of thenetwork.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first protocoloffers a transmission speed that is higher than that offered by thesecond protocol.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein attemptingthe IP registration with the mobile unit using the first protocolcomprises attempting a mobile IP (MIP) registration with the mobile unitand the network using the first protocol.
 4. The method according toclaim 3, wherein attempting the IP registration with the mobile unitusing the first protocol further comprises attempting a simple IP (SIP)registration with the mobile unit and the network using the firstprotocol if the attempted MIP registration is unsuccessful.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein attempting the IP registration withthe mobile unit using the second protocol further comprises attemptingan MIP registration with the mobile unit and the network using thesecond protocol.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein attemptingthe IP registration with the mobile unit using the second protocolfurther comprises attempting an SIP registration with the mobile unitand the network using the second protocol if the attempted MIPregistration using the second protocol is unsuccessful.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the first protocol is Evolution-DataOptimized (EVDO), and the second protocol is 1X Radio TransmissionTechnology (1X).
 8. A method of re-initiating a packet data call on anetwork that employs both EVDO and 1X protocols, comprising: attemptingan MIP registration through the EVDO protocol with a mobile unit on thenetwork for a packet data call on the mobile unit; if the MIPregistration is unsuccessful, attempting an SIP registration through theEVDO protocol with the mobile unit on the network; if both the MIP andSIP registrations are unsuccessful, switching the mobile unit to operatein the 1X protocol, wherein the unsuccessful EVDO MIP and SIPregistrations are caused by an EVDO data link layer, wherein an EVDOphysical layer still allows for communication over the EVDO physicallayer; and in response to the unsuccessful MIP and SIP registrationsusing the EVDO protocol, attempting an MIP registration or an SIPregistration with the mobile unit and the network through the 1Xprotocol for the packet data call on the mobile unit.
 9. A mobile unitcapable of making packet data calls using both a first protocol and asecond protocol, comprising: a transceiver that communicates with anetwork using the first protocol and the second protocol; and a callcontrol module that is coupled to the transceiver, wherein the callcontrol module is operable to: attempt a first IP registration with thenetwork using the first protocol; detect a failure in the first IPregistration due to a data link layer failure, wherein a physical layerof the first protocol is still capable of conducting communications; inresponse to the failure detection, attempt a second IP registration withthe network using the second protocol.
 10. The mobile unit according toclaim 9, wherein the first protocol is a default choice over the secondprotocol for transmission of packet data.
 11. The mobile unit accordingto claim 9, wherein the call control module is operable to attempt thefirst IP registration with the network using the first protocol by firstattempting an MIP registration with the network using the first protocolfollowed by attempting an SIP registration with the network using thefirst protocol if the MIP registration is unsuccessful.
 12. The mobileunit according to claim 9, wherein the call control module is operableto attempt the second IP registration with the network using the secondprotocol by first attempting an MIP registration with the network usingthe second protocol followed by attempting an SIP registration with thenetwork using the second protocol if the MIP registration isunsuccessful.
 13. The mobile unit according to claim 9, wherein thefirst protocol is Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), and the secondprotocol is 1X Radio Transmission Technology (1X).